The Impact of Wealth on Love Relationships in Pride and Prejudice

Summary: Analyzes the impact of wealth on love relationships in "Pride and Prejudice" by Jane Austen.

In Jane Austen's novel Pride and Prejudice the effect of money propels the development of love relationships more than any other factor. There are three burgeoning relationships in the novel that can be closely studied to see the impact of money on love in Austen's time period. Three of the relationships, that of Charlotte and Mr. Collins, Lydia and Mr. Wickham, and Jane and Mr. Bingley only help to propel the most unlikely couple, Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy, together. Although Charlotte and Mr. Collins and Jane and Mr. Bingley's love relationships are heavily impacted by wealth and the financial security the match can bring to both the woman and her family, perhaps none of the relationships are more doubtful or economically advantageous as Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy's.